The History of Nicola Brand Strings

Nicola Sfarzo - Naples, Italy in 1903.

When Nicola was a child, his family moved to Isola di San Pietro in the town of Carloforte, Sardinia Italy where his father was Commander of the local Prison where he lived with his family until he decided to depart for America.

At the age of 15, Nicola became a Merchant Marine and sailed to America with his Mandolin and Guitar.

Upon arriving in America, he was stopped by a Customs Agent who asked him what he had in his cases and he said a Mandolin and Guitar. The agent asked him to play a few songs which he did. After he played. he was warmly welcomed into America.​His first stop was in Richmond, Virginia and all alone with his Mandolin and Guitar he made a life for himself in America.

His next stop was in California in search for family and friends he knew from Carloforte. In California he met his wife Francis Ageno also from Carloforte, they married and made their home in San Francisco.

Nicola became a baker and sadly after one year of marriage, he had an accident causing injury to his eyes, never to regain his sight. He had a family to support so he turned to his love of music. By playing his beloved Mandolin and Guitar he was able to take care of his family as a professional musician.

In the late 50’s he met Mr. Gino Pellegrini . They became friends and performed at many Bay Area Events. Nicola was also a longtime member of the Aurora Mandolin Orchestra.

Wanting to keep Nicola Sfarzo’s legacy alive, Nicola Brand Strings was born.Nicola Brand Strings is a family owned business in the San Francisco Bay Area and Purveyors of fine handmade Acoustic Strings. Made in the USA.Ronald Sfarzo CEO-Nicola Brand Strings